The 2nd annual awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service were presented at the Annual Meeting on April 21 to two longstanding UIRA volunteer leaders. Board member Pam Willard, chair of the service awards committee, made the presentations.

Eugene Spaziani, Professor Emeritus of Biology and Exercise Science, who retired in 2000, was selected for his extraordinary contributions to the University. Among Gene’s many contributions are: his written history of the Biological Sciences departments at the University of Iowa from 1865-2012; teaching in the Senior College; and five years of membership on the UIRA Board of Directors, where he revised the membership enrollment and tracking process, carried out membership surveys and chaired the nominations committee.

Nancy L. Williams, who retired from long service at the University of Iowa in 2005, was the recipient of the award for extraordinary service to numerous community organizations. Among Nancy’s contributions are her Board responsibilities for Shelter House, the Community Foundation of Johnson County and Riverside Theater. In addition to those activities, Nancy has been active serving the
American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life fundraiser; and she is on the development committee for TRAIL, an organization aimed at making aging-in-place concept a reality in the Iowa City area.

Recognition of Eugene Spaziani and Nancy Williams will be permanently established as their names are added to the plaques that are in the Iowa Memorial Union east entrance foyer. UIRA is making a $100 donation in honor of each. Shelter House will receive $200 as the charity of choice of both honorees.